research A Phase 2a Study Investigating the Effects of Ritlecitinib on Brainstem Auditory Evoked Potentials and Intraepidermal Nerve Fiber Histology in Adults with Alopecia Areata
This phase 2a, double-blind study evaluated the effects of ritlecitinib on brainstem auditory evoked potentials (BAEP) and intraepidermal nerve fiber (IENF) histology in 71 adults with alopecia areata. Participants received either ritlecitinib or a placebo for 9 months. The study found no significant differences in BAEP changes or IENF histology between the ritlecitinib and placebo groups. Additionally, there was no increased incidence of neurological or audiological adverse events associated with ritlecitinib. These findings suggest that the axonal swelling and BAEP changes observed in dogs are not clinically relevant in humans.